These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos are a delicious and addictive appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or any occasion! They’re filled with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy ground beef mixture, rolled up in tortillas, and cooked to crispy perfection. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, jalapeños, spices, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying filling.
- Crispy and crunchy: The taquitos are cooked until golden brown and crispy, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy filling.
- Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and comes together in just 27 minutes.
- Versatile: You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spiciness to your liking.
Ingredients for Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos
This recipe uses fresh, flavorful ingredients to create an irresistible appetizer or snack. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Raw Tortillas: Use medium-sized tortillas for easy rolling.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the filling.
- Onion and Jalapeños: Add flavor and texture to the filling.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor.
- Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Dried Oregano: A blend of spices that add depth and warmth to the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy and cheesy texture.
- Salsa: Use medium salsa for a bit of a kick, or mild salsa for a milder flavor.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a sharp and slightly spicy cheese flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced jalapeños over medium heat until the onions are softened and the meat is cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and oregano. Then, add the salsa and softened cream cheese. Heat over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is completely melted, stirring often. Stir in 1 cup of the pepper jack cheese until melted. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Add a heaping 1/4 cup of the filling to the bottom third of each tortilla. Top with a heaping tablespoon of the remaining pepper jack cheese. Tightly roll up the tortillas.
Step 4: Cook the Taquitos
Heat one teaspoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat (optional, for extra crispiness). Working in batches, add the taquitos to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, rotating as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños and the type of salsa to control the spiciness of the filling.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Cooking method: You can also bake the taquitos in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
How to Serve Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos
- Game day snack: These taquitos are perfect for serving at your next game day gathering or Super Bowl party.
- Party appetizer: They’re also a great option for parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
- Family snack: Enjoy them as a fun and easy family snack any night of the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat the taquitos gently in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas or whole wheat tortillas.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ground beef and use a vegetarian meat substitute or add more vegetables, such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and cook them just before serving.
My taquitos are soggy, what did I do wrong?
If your taquitos are soggy, it could be that you didn’t cook them long enough or that the filling was too moist. Make sure to cook the taquitos until they are golden brown and crispy, and drain any excess moisture from the filling before assembling the taquitos.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintCrispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for parties or game day. They’re filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, jalapeños, cream cheese, and spices, then rolled up in tortillas and cooked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 TortillaLand raw medium tortillas
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2–4 jalapeños, seeded, deveined, and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salsa (medium heat)
- 2 cups freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Make Filling: Add beef, jalapeños, and onions to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until onions are softened, and meat is cooked through. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in all of the spices/seasonings, followed by salsa and cream cheese. Heat over medium-low heat until cream cheese is completely melted, stirring often. Stir in 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese until melted. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Taquitos: Add a heaping ¼ cup filling to the bottom third of each raw tortilla and top with a heaping tablespoon of cheese. Tightly roll up tortillas.
- Cook Taquitos: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat (optional for extra crispiness). Working in batches, add taquitos and cook until golden brown on all sides, rotating as needed.
Notes
- Tortillas: You can use corn or flour tortillas for this recipe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños and the heat of the salsa to your preferred spice level.
- Cheese: You can use other types of cheese if you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar.
- Cooking Method: You can also bake the taquitos in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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